Escalating Tensions in Grebo-Krahn National Park: FDA Agents in Crisis

This article discusses the plight of FDA agents Selma Kolako and Oliver Jelleh in Grebo-Krahn National Park, focusing on Kolako’s escape from suspected arrest and Jelleh’s ongoing hostage situation. The conflict arises from traditionalist opposition to FDA activities, exacerbated by growing local interests in cocoa farming and unmet community expectations regarding park management since 2017. The FDA’s and local authorities’ silence amid these escalating tensions raises concerns for the safety and future of the national park.

Two agents from Liberia’s Forestry Development Authority (FDA), Zone Warden Selma Kolako and Ranger Oliver Jelleh, are facing serious challenges while working in Grebo-Krahn National Park, located in Grand Gedeh County. Kolako narrowly escaped arbitrary arrest on March 2 after being warned of imminent danger from traditionalists who oppose FDA activities in certain areas of the park. Meanwhile, Ranger Jelleh has been held hostage for over a week, raising concerns for his safety among his family members, who plead for prompt intervention from authorities.

Colako shared his distressing experience, explaining the moment he was pursued. “I was in bed when I heard a persistent knocking at my room door. I hesitated… eventually opened it… he said, ‘Kolako, you must leave right now before the worst happens… you are not safe here in Ziah Town any longer.’” He bolted on his motorbike, leaving behind his belongings, including money. After his departure, he discovered that his home had been ransacked by individuals reportedly associated with the local tradition.

The FDA official expressed trepidation about continuing assignments in Grand Gedeh due to intimidation from locals interested in cocoa farming. Kolako indicated that prolonged conflict may result in substantial loss of the national park to local inhabitants and foreign migrants engaged in agricultural practices. Tensions between FDA agents and community residents sprouted in early January 2025, as traditional leaders obstructed normal forest surveillance patrols intended to manage wildlife sustainably.

The Eco guard program, supported by the Wild Chimpanzee Foundation, allows community members to aid in monitoring the park and conducting conservation initiatives. Tensions peaked in February 2025 when communities disrupted FDA and UN Development Program efforts, expressing dissatisfaction with unfulfilled commitments made since the park’s establishment in 2017. They urged the Grand Gedeh County Authority for revisions to the management plan based on anticipated benefits under the government’s ARREST agenda.

In light of growing concerns, Evangeline Swope, FDA Protected Area Manager, called for a stakeholder consultative meeting to discuss protective measures for the park. However, the situation escalated as some supporters of the local priest initially refused to attend. Their decision changed following an intervention by Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely, but later, recipients of a letter inviting them to the meeting were summoned for questioning by traditional authorities and penalized.

Despite the mounting tensions, the FDA has not publicly addressed the ongoing situation surrounding Grebo-Krahn National Park, which included a previously organized stakeholder meeting that ultimately produced no resolution. Furthermore, the silence of Grand Gedeh County Authority, led by Superintendent Alex Grant, raises concerns about the official response to these escalating conflicts between local customs and government authority.

The situation involving the FDA agents in Grebo-Krahn National Park underscores a significant conflict between local traditions and governmental authority in Liberia. The events reflect growing tensions over the management of natural resources and the failure to meet community expectations. Without timely intervention from relevant authorities, there is a potential for increased instability that could jeopardize both the agents’ safety and the integrity of the park.

Original Source: www.liberianobserver.com